58—some Factors Affecting the Hairiness of Flyer-Spun Mohair Yarns

Experiments are reported on the hairiness of flyer-spun yarns, chiefly of mohair, by means of visual examination, board wrappings, and the University of Leeds Yarn-hairiness Meter. The importance of fibre thickness is confirmed. Increasing the fibre length reduces hairiness less than might be expected from the fewer fibre ends available. The hairiness of coarse yarns is predictably greater than that of fine ones, but changing the singles or folding twist or both by 10% from normal scarcely affects it. Oil added to the sliver reduces hairiness, the optimum amount being 4%, which can be matched by 2% oil and 0.5% anti-static agent. Varying the draft gives the most marked effects, the lowest draft (and finest roving) producing by far the least hairy yarn as assessed by the longest fibre projections. It is suggested that in the flyer-frame most of the hairiness is caused by some of the leading fibres at the edge of the issuing drafted roving avoiding capture by the twist, though added hairiness results from yarn movement over the flyer arms.